‘What about the Temple of Vesta?’ he said, ‘I understand they contained the treasures of Rome.’
‘Aaah the treasures,’ said Louigi, ‘Always the treasures. As soon as the word is mentioned the tourists eyes light up with images of Gold and Silver, But Rome’s true treasures were not of reformed elements but of history and tradition. You see, just as we look back on Rome’s past, they looked back on the stories of their ancestors, and the greatest of these became central to their view of the world. Where we hope for gold, the Romans gathered documents. Where we imagine Silver, they revered artefacts. Such were the true treasures of the Temple, English, parchments from long dead empires, statues from annihilated cities, stories from kings and confessions from Emperors. These are real treasures, and I would gladly give my life for one day alone with such things, but alas fate decreed they would be lost forever.’
‘But were they, Louigi?’ asked Brandon, ‘Is it possible that any may have survived to the present day?’
‘Probably not,’ said the Italian, ‘Though some people think that history may have been altered to hide mistakes.’
‘What do you mean?’
‘You already know what I mean,’ said Louigi, ‘Your line of questioning tells me you probably seek the Palladium. Personally I think you waste your time. Many have already taken this path, both scholars and treasure hunters, with no luck.’
‘Humour us,’ said Brandon, somewhat bluntly, ‘What do you mean altered history?’
‘There is an emerging school of thought,’ said Louigi, ‘That the Palladium exists and is in the hands of a private collector.’
‘But how can that be?’ asked India, ‘Everyone knows the Palladium was taken to Constantinople by Emperor Constantine. It is buried beneath the Constantine tower with all the other treasures.’
‘But was it?’ said Louigi, ‘For centuries, that is what has been believed, but, as more and more evidence is revealed, some historians believe that the statue taken by Emperor Constantine was a fake and the real one actually disappeared hundreds of years earlier, during the rein of Nero.’
‘Why?’ asked India.
‘Because the last time anyone actually saw it, was just before the great fire in 64 AD. After that, it was withdrawn from view for safe keeping. Apparently it was kept in a wicker basket and never seen by anyone except the Vestal Priestesses. However, it is now thought that either it was burnt in the fire or was stolen in the confusion. Apart from the shame that would have brought on the order, imagine the effect on the population if it was known that the image of their protector had been destroyed.’
‘There would have been widespread panic,’ said India.
‘Exactly,’ said Louigi, ‘It has been suggested that it was withdrawn from view, simply because it was missing. After the devastation of the fire, Nero could not risk the backlash from the people and would have needed a cover story while a copy was made. Eventually it was placed on display again, but what we don’t know is, was it the original or a fake? We will never know for sure.’
‘So was the Temple destroyed in the fire?’ asked Brandon
‘Oh yes,’ said Louigi. ‘It was destroyed several times over the centuries, either by fire or by her enemies but it was always rebuilt.’
‘So do you have any idea where the Palladium may be now?’ asked India.
‘No.’
‘Even if you knew, you wouldn’t tell us, would you?’ asked Brandon.
‘Not really,’ said Louigi.
‘Can’t say I blame you,’ said Brandon. He stood up and stretched his legs, walking around the nearby ancient rubble.
‘So what happened to the Vestals themselves?’ asked India.
‘They carried on for a few hundred years after the fire but not even they could hold back the tide of Christianity sweeping the known world. They were finally disbanded by Emperor Gratian in 382 AD and the last Vestal Priestess died twelve years later.’
‘So that’s it then,’ said Brandon coming back to the group. ‘The Palladium disappeared and all the Vestals eventually died out, carrying their secrets with them forever.’
‘Well, not entirely true,’ said Louigi, ‘The Vestals in Rome died out but the cult continued in temples around Europe for a few hundred years after that.’
‘There were Vestals elsewhere?’ asked Rubria in surprise.
‘Oh yes,’ answered Louigi.’ The Goddess’s influence reached right across Europe, even as far as your England.’
‘What?’ said Brandon spinning round in shock.
‘Didn’t you know?’ asked Louigi, ‘The cult was established in England for hundreds of years.’
Brandon stared at India.
‘I didn’t know,’ she said quietly. She turned back to Louigi. ‘Where was it centred?’
‘I don’t know much about your England,’ he said ‘But I do know it was near London and was built not long after General Paullinus wiped out the armies of Boudica. It would have caused quite a stir in Rome as Britannia had only just been conquered and was still a hotbed of violence.’
‘That’s amazing.’ said India
‘I wouldn’t get too carried away,’ said Louigi, ‘There were hundreds of similar temples throughout the empire.’
Brandon looked at his watch.
‘Look, thanks very much,’ said Brandon, ‘You have been a great help but we have to be somewhere else in an hour.’
India looked at him quizzically but stood up anyway. Louigi rolled another cigarette as Brandon counted out two rolls of Euros. He gave the first to the younger Italian before holding out the second roll to Louigi. The man moved his hand to accept the money but moved his hand suddenly and grabbed Brandon’s wrist. Brandon tried to pull his hand away but the old man’s grip was like iron.
‘What do you think your doing?’ he asked.
‘Who are you?’ snarled the man.
‘What?’ asked Brandon, perplexed.
‘You have been lying to me.’
‘What are you on about?’ snapped Brandon.
‘The ring,’ growled the man. ‘You wear the ring of Nike.’
Brandon looked down at the ring India had taken from the body of Peter Venezelos back in England.
‘I bought it,’ he lied and yanked his hand free.
‘You are a liar, English,’ said Louigi. ‘There are only a few of these rings in existence and the owners would protect them with their lives.’
‘Why, what do you know about the owners?’
Louigi stared at him and took a step backwards.
‘I don’t know who you are, English,’ he said, ‘But I want no more to do with you. Now go.’
‘Now wait a minute,’ started Brandon and took a step forward.
The younger Italian stepped forward and aimed a previously concealed gun at Brandon’s head.
‘You heard him,’ English he said. ‘You have what you came for; now leave before it is too late for all of us.’
‘This is stupid,’ said Brandon. ‘Why are you so scared?’
‘You are the stupid one, English,’ he said, ‘Now go, before I do something we will both regret.’
‘Okay, said Brandon, ‘Calm down. We are going.’
‘Not just from here,’ said Louigi, ‘You must leave Rome before someone else sees the ring.’
Brandon and India walked slowly backwards to the path before turning and hurrying down to the road. Brandon waved down a taxi and they sat in silence, stunned at the close shave they had just experienced.
‘What was that all about?’ asked Brandon eventually in disbelief.
India turned and looked at him. He expected to see a look of horror on her face but was surprised to see a slight smile playing about her lips.
‘India,’ he said, ‘Are you alright. You’ve been quiet for ages.’
‘Oh I’m alright,’ she said, ‘In fact, better than alright. I’ve think I’ve just worked out where the Palladium is!’
‘You have?’ he stated in shock, ‘Where?’
‘Littlewick Green,’ she said with a smirk. ‘Come, on, we need to book a flight. I’ll explain as we go.’
Chapter Nineteen
Rome 64 AD